Original Japanese Woodblock c1830's Print by Kikukawa Eizan (1787–1867)

Kikukawa Eizan (菊川英山, 1787–1867)

Mother and Children
(Edo-period Bijin-ga Domestic Scene)

A delicate and evocative nishiki-e (polychrome woodblock print) by Kikukawa Eizan, depicting a young mother carrying an infant on her back while attended by another woman below. The composition centers on maternal intimacy and quiet domestic virtue—subjects that resonated deeply in late Edo visual culture. The figures are arranged in a gentle vertical flow, emphasizing physical closeness, protection, and emotional calm rather than theatrical narrative.

Eizan’s refined linework is especially evident in the elongated faces, narrow eyes, and softly modeled hands, hallmarks of his mature bijin-ga style. The kimono patterns—featuring bold geometric motifs contrasted with more subdued textiles—demonstrate his skill in balancing decorative complexity with compositional restraint. The muted palette of indigo, grey, and soft earth tones enhances the intimate, contemplative atmosphere of the scene.

Unlike overtly glamorous courtesan imagery, this work reflects Eizan’s interest in private, interior moments of women’s lives. The inclusion of children introduces themes of motherhood, continuity, and care, aligning the image with Edo-period ideals of domestic harmony and feminine virtue. A small attendant figure in the background adds narrative depth while maintaining visual balance.

Signature: 英山筆 (Eizan hitsu), visible at right margin
Date: Edo period, 1830's (Bunka–Bunsei era)
Format: Oban vertical
Medium: Color woodblock print on paper
Image size: approx. 15" H × 10" W (sight)
Presentation: Framed

Condition:
Overall age toning and paper softening consistent with Edo-period prints. Scattered wormage visible throughout, including small losses and channels in the paper. Minor creases and surface wear; pigments remain readable with good line integrity.

Kikukawa Eizan (菊川英山, 1787–1867) was a leading bijin-ga artist of the late Edo period and is widely regarded as a successor to Kitagawa Utamaro. Active primarily during the Bunka and Bunsei eras, Eizan is known for his elegant female figures, sophisticated textile designs, and refined linear style. His work represents a key transitional phase in ukiyo-e, bridging Utamaro’s sensual realism with the more decorative tendencies of later 19th-century printmaking.